I do not see velvets and silks for a kitchen sink window sorry. There are plenty of gorgeous fabrics around with beautiful damask or geometric pattern that are striking, that could be found in a faux silk or linen. Velvet is something that I would never put in a kitchen. But it is your kitchen.

You could always keep the binds that you have, and add a curtain in a side swipe to dress it up a bit more. So the blinds will control the light and the curtain is decorative.

Is it important to you to be able to open the window? If not, you could use blinds straight across to cover the bottom say 2/3 of the window and some type of sheer above gathered to the middle like you see on many arched transoms. Or something like this.

Hello Jen, I am so surprised that no one has mentioned vertical blinds to you? They are very much back in fashion and work beautifully in a room such as yours. They come in 3.5" veins, which mean they will fold back and tuck into each recess when fully open. They turn to let as much light in as you need and then close when you want full privacy. They will be fitted in the recess above the windows. You can either have one complete rail length or two so you have a separate section over the door. You can have what's know as a middle split, i.e: half goes left and right. Personally I would suggest one length that opens to the left, therefore leaving your door completely uncovered when open. The pulley system is very much like a roller blind and are safety fixed to the wall so children can not get caught in them. They come in a huge rang of colours and materials and better still they are very affordable. I am working with a number of new developments in Hertfordshire at the moment and these are what the clients are all asking for. If you would like some idea of price, please email me your measurements and I will give you an idea, amanda@propertybydesign.net Good luck and enjoy! :0)